What do you want in YOUR
on-site safety inspection?

Remember that commercial which asked the insightful question: “What do you want on YOUR Tombstone Pizza?” Let’s apply that to on-site safety inspections at construction job sites.

Well, OSHA compliance is basic – like cheese on the pizza. If we’re not looking for specific items of OSHA compliance, we’d just as well stay out of the kitchen. You already know the OSHA points we should observe and confirm – including, but not limited to:

And more and more. You know the routine.

Our on-site inspector documents deficiencies with pen, paper and digital photos, reporting back to the home office after a perfunctory visit with the site supervisor to talk about all of the things that this supervisor has talked over with numerous other on-site inspectors.

When the inspection concludes, the inspector goes back to the office and the supervisor goes back to work, wondering how much flack today’s little visit will prompt.

Does any of this sound familiar? Does ALL of this sound familiar? Should we just accept this scenario as the nature of the process without looking for additional redeeming values and opportunities (the optional three-meat topping and extra cheese on our pizza)?

Does our safety inspection process really, truly try to analyze WHY the safety deficiencies exist on this job site? Lack of money, training, site or corporate management priority? Problems with subcontractor attitudes, logistics, communications or follow-up?

Example: During the inspection we observe a subcontractor painter who is 30 feet up a leaning, poorly positioned ladder that isn’t tied off. Do we just check a box on the form and take a picture for our report? Or do we try to logically assess, dissect and study this specific situation?

We call the worker down (and the site supervisor doesn’t let him go back up until safety problems are resolved). We talk with the worker not in a disciplinary way, but to find out how much he knows about ladder safety, tie-offs and fall protection. We learn how long he’s worked for the contractor. We find out what PPE he has been issued. Together, we check out the ladder and look for ways that the task can be done safely and in compliance with OSHA. We follow-up with a phone call or visit with the subcontractor’s safety officer, supervisor or owner.

In short, we use the inspection process to genuinely understand what’s going on at this particular job site. We also CONTRIBUTE some possible answers and options as part of the process.

At about this point in my presentation, some experienced safety pro or site manager in the audience will sit back, cross arms and say: “What’s new about that?”

My response: “Nothing. But – based on your years of expert, first-hand experience – how often does this kind of second- and third-layer analysis actually happen? How well does the process work, AS PRACTICED?

Also -- when corrective actions are taken based on this single observation, has the total safety process at this job site and company been supported, strengthened and enhanced?

We have to take the time to make sure that each on-site inspection delivers a better understanding of actual hazards, situations, corrections required and opportunities for improvement at that specific work location.

If it doesn’t, then why are we making pizza in the first place?
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INSPECTION NOTES
Photos used with Clients' permission

On-site inspections underscore
the need for attention to "the basics"

Recent on-site safety inspections and "mock OSHA" audits showed the need to keep your eyes on the basics.  

Hazards and non-compliance situations observed included fire extinguishers improperly positioned, obstructed and/or not ready for service; and blocked fire exits. 

Electrical hazards included defective power and extension cords that were available for use by employees. 

Deficiencies in OSHA-required written programs and implementations included: hazard communication and chemical safety; proper selection and use of personal protective equipment; control of hazardous energy (lockout and tagout); forklift operator safety; crane, slings and hoist operator safety; and access to employee medical records.

On-site inspections identified 43 conditions that we determined to be an immediate danger to life and health.  In total we identified what we estimate to be more that $536,450 in potential OSHA violations at 16 separate facilities.